Acadiana reacts to the sudden loss of Judge Jules Edwards

Reactions from Acadiana to the loss of Judge Jules Edwards III have begun to arrive.

Edwards, who was currently a Lafayette city court judge, also served for years on the bench of the 15th Judicial District. He leaves behind a wife, Orida, and three adult children. He died in his office on Tuesday.

We’ll have more from Acadiana residents about Edwards later today on KATC TV3.

Edwwards was a member of the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, an alumnus of Loyola University, LSU and the US Army War College. He was a veteran, having enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1977 and serving in the Louisiana National Guard from 1981 to 2007. He served in the Infantry Corps, Artillery and Judge Advocate General general He also served as Inspector General of the 256th Infantry Brigade and as a State Judge Advocate. In 2007, he retired as a colonel in the Louisiana National Guard and was recognized as America’s Best Staff Judge Advocate.

To read more about his background, scroll down.

15th Judicial District Judge Thomas R. Duplantier said he and Edwards began their judicial careers together 32 years ago.

“One thing that stands out among all the things people say about Jules is that he was compassionate,” Duplantier said.

Edwards understood the impact substance abuse could have on a person’s life and choices, which is why he spearheaded the efforts that led to the creation of the Lafayette drug court, he said .

Edwards had “an explosive energy, like no one else I knew” and was always involved in projects, whether it was benefiting the judiciary, the people he came into contact with in court or the community, he added.

When he decided to leave the state bank and run for the city bank, Edwards said he hoped to reach people earlier so there would be a better chance he would help them change their lives.

But “he also helped a lot of people at the district court level,” Duplantier said: He started many programs, including one that helped people who couldn’t pay fines and court fees by giving them the opportunity to ” work”. “these costs with community service.

“He was really the type of person who wanted to help people, who helped a lot of people along the way, and that’s one of the things I’ll always remember about him,” Duplantier said.

The Lafayette Fire Department released a statement, saying firefighters were “saddened to learn of the death of Municipal Court Judge Jules Edwards III. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

“Judge Edwards was a well-respected individual and legal advocate in the community. He was a truly dedicated public servant. His presence will be sorely missed. However, his impact will be forever present in the many lives he touched.” , says Fire Chief Robert Benoit.

Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s office issued a statement with comments from several city officials, including people who worked with Edwards in City Court.

“In a profound loss to our community, local officials share heartfelt memories and statements honoring the legacy of Judge Jules D. Edwards III, who dedicated more than 30 years of service to the judicial system and the people of Lafayette. Judge Edwards passed away on October 15, 2024, leaving behind a lasting impact on the legal community and the countless lives touched by his commitment to justice,” the statement said.

“Judge Edwards’ death this evening closes a chapter written by a remarkable person whose life and career were devoted to his family, his faith, his profession and, above all, his country and community. His passing leaves us, his friends, staff and colleagues, with the challenge of carrying forward those principles he so passionately shared with all those he touched,” said his municipal court colleague Douglas Saloom. “It is in our hands the responsibility to echo his booming voice, to not allow him to remain silent, to find the strength to continue his sincere laughter, but most importantly to not allow his work to remain unfinished”.

“Judge Jules Edwards served with joy and passion as he tackled some of our most complex issues. He was determined to make a difference in the lives of those most in need, while holding those of us who worked with him to the highest standards of service. We will find his leadership and friendship will be missed in our community,” Boulet said.

“Judge Edwards will forever be a legend in the city of Lafayette and in this community. He paved the way for many and was a true friend to me. Judge Edwards’ career speaks for itself: he loved his job , his family and his country and he served honorably. We were fortunate to have him here as a City Judge and we will remember him in his court. He was a true mentor to me and to many who will truly be missed,” said City Marshal Reggie Thomas.

“Judge Edwards was one of the most amazing judges I have had the pleasure of serving alongside. He was a man of integrity with such strong faith. His absence will be felt by all who knew him,” said the municipal court administrator Kelly Mouisset.

Here are some posts from friends and co-workers of the judge:

Here is his bio, from the Louisiana Judicial Council:

Judge Jules D. Edwards, III began serving in Lafayette Municipal Court, Division “A” on January 1, 2023. He also serves as the Louisiana Judicial Liaison, teaching judges how to handle impaired driving cases and previously served in the Division. “B” of the 15th Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2020. There he served as Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court from 2001 to in 2003 and has pioneered drug courts and re-entry courts. Prior to serving on the court, he served as an indigent defense attorney, assistant district attorney, counsel to the Louisiana Senate Select Committee on Crime and Drugs, and a partner at the law offices of Edwards and Edwards.

He was inducted into the Louisiana Judicial Hall of Fame in 2013. Judge Edwards is also a former Chairman of the Louisiana Judicial Commission, serving from 2013 to 2017. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Commission from December 5, 2014 to April 2. , 2015, and as Chair of the Commission from August 21, 2015, to August 27, 2016, during which time he oversaw a major revision of the rules governing the Commission’s procedures.

Judge Edwards was the 2014-2015 President of the Louisiana District Judges Association. From 2011 to 2018, he worked with the Louisiana Sentencing Commission (LSA-RS 15:322) to assist the judiciary and legislature in formulating and implementing uniform sentencing policy. He is a past member of the Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education Advisory Council that was created by Act 88 of the 2017 Regular Session of the Legislature (2018-2020) and a former member of the Louisiana Drug Policy Board which was created by LSA. -RS 49:219.2, (2018 – 2020) and current member of the DWI-Task Force since 2021.

Judge Edwards is married to Orida and they are the proud parents of three grown children. The judge’s motto is “Dare to dream”.